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Gathering Etiquette

Read published English translations and explanations on this topic. These are related source narrations; their wording and selection may differ from the Arabic site’s short selections. Every card identifies its own source.

Narrated by Bukhari & MuslimAuthentic hadith

If you are three, then two should not converse privately with the exclusion of the third, until more people join you, because that would grieve him

Narrator in the source: ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd reported that the Messenger of Allah

ِ‘Abdullāh ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If you are three, then two should not converse privately with the exclusion of the third, until more people join you, because that would grieve him."
Grade in the source
Authentic hadith
Reported by
Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim
Original Arabic wording
عن عبد الله بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : "إذا كنتم ثلاثة فلا يتناجى اثنان دون الآخَر، حتى تختلطوا بالناس؛ من أجل أن ذلك يحُزنه".
Understand this hadith

Islam encourages empathy as well as good manners and speech in all gatherings. Islam also forbids everything which may harm, frighten, or cause negative or evil thoughts. Two people privately conversing in the presence of a third hurts the feelings of the third person and makes him feel sad and undeserving of taking part in their conversation. It also makes him feel ignored and left out. Hence, Islam forbids this kind of private conversation.

References (original Arabic)

صحيح البخاري, تحقيق: محمد زهير بن ناصر الناصر, دار طوق النجاة ترقيم محمد فؤاد عبدالباقي, ط 1422. صحيح مسلم, تحقيق: محمد فؤاد عبدالباقي, دار إحياء التراث العربي. منحة العلام في شرح بلوغ المرام، لعبد الله الفوزان. دار ابن الجوزي. ط1 1428ه. توضِيحُ الأحكَامِ مِن بُلوُغ المَرَام، للبسام. مكتَبة الأسدي، مكّة المكرّمة.الطبعة: الخامِسَة، 1423 هـ - 2003 م. رياض الصالحين، للنووي، تحقيق : ماهر الفحل. دار ابن كثير - بيروت. الطبعة الأولى 1428ه - 2007م. تسهيل الإلمام بفقه الأحاديث من بلوغ المرام، للشيخ الفوزان. الناشر : الرسالة. الطبعة الأولى : 1427– 2006م.

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